The US House of Representatives on Thursday voted to remove Ilhan Omar, one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The speaker of the House of Representatives was able to garner Republican support for a Somali-born Muslim woman in the new Congress, although some GOP lawmakers expressed reservations. The removal of lawmakers from House committees continued until Democrats toppled far-right Republicans from Georgia and Arizona two years ago.
The 218-211 vote, along party lines, came after a heated debate in which Democrats accused the Republican Party of targeting Omar on the basis of her race. Omar defended herself on the floor of the House of Representatives, asking if anyone was surprised that she was being targeted, “because when you push power, power fights back.” Fellow Democrats hugged and hugged their colleague as they voted.
“My voice will be heard louder and stronger and my leadership will be celebrated throughout the world,” Omar said in his closing speech.
Republicans focused on Omar’s six statements that “combinedly disqualify her from serving on the Foreign Relations Committee,” said Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss.
“All members, both Republicans and Democrats, who aspire to work in the realm of foreign affairs must maintain the highest standards of conduct because of international sensitivities and national security interests that are under the jurisdiction of this committee,” Guest said.
The resolution, proposed by Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, a former Trump administration official, said, “Omar’s comments dishonored the House of Representatives.”
Democratic leader Hakim Jeffreys of New York said Omar “made mistakes” at times and used anti-Semitic clichés that were denounced by House Democrats four years ago. But, he said, Thursday’s vote was not about that.
“This is not about responsibility, but about political revenge,” Jeffreys said.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took it one step further by saying that the GOP’s actions were one of the “disgusting legacies since 9/11”, referring to the September 11, 2001 attacks – “targeting and racism against Muslim Americans throughout United States of America. And this is the continuation of this legacy.”
She added, “It’s about targeting women of color.”
Omar is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. She is also the first to wear a headscarf (hijab) in the chamber of the House after the floor rules were changed to allow members to wear head coverings for religious reasons.
She quickly sparked controversy after entering Congress in 2019 with a couple of tweets suggesting pro-Israel lawmakers were motivated by money.
In the first, she criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. “It’s all about Benjamin’s baby,” she wrote, using $100 bill slang.
Asked on Twitter who she thinks is paying members of Congress to support Israel, Omar replied, “AIPAC!”
The comments sparked a public rebuke from then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats, who made it clear that Omar had gone too far.
She soon apologized.
“We should always be ready to take a step back and think about criticism, just like I expect people to hear me when others attack me because of my personality. That’s why I’m definitely sorry,” Omar tweeted.
Democrats have rallied in a vehement defense of Omar and the expertise she brings to Congress.
Blacks, Hispanics, and progressive lawmakers in particular spoke of her unique voice in the House of Representatives and criticized Republicans for what they called a racist attack.
“Racist gaslighting,” said Rep. Corey Bush, Massachusetts. “Revenge resolution,” said Rep. Primila Jayapal of Washington, the chairman of the progressive caucus.
“This is so painful to watch,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib, of Michigan, who joined Congress with Omar in 2019, becoming one of the first two Muslim women to be elected to the House of Representatives.
“To Congressman Omar: I am very sorry that our country is letting you down in this room today. You belong to this committee,” Tlaib said through tears.
Omar’s previous comments were among several remarks made in resolutions to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Committee chairman Rep. Michael McCall of Texas argued for Omar’s removal from the commission during a recent closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans.
“It’s just that her worldview of Israel is diametrically opposed to the views of the committee. I don’t mind the controversy, but it goes beyond that,” McCall told reporters, describing his position.
Several Republicans skeptical of Omar’s removal demanded “due process” for lawmakers facing removal. McCarthy said he told them he would work with the Democrats to create a due process system, but acknowledged that work was still ongoing.
